Startrekking in Blackpool for the big switch on

Blackpool’ annual lights spectacular begins this Friday with a spectacular interstellar show which will go where no one has boldly gone before.

The announcement of a Star Trek switch-on finale completes the line-up for this year’s event, which is being staged in association with MTV. There will be live performances from artists Example and DJ Wire, Diversity, Conor Maynard and Louisa Johnson.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We are delighted that one of the world’s most iconic TV franchises is to take part in this year’s Illuminations switch-on.

“A huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes to produce what should be another truly memorable event. This year’s switch-on ceremony will be delivered in a totally unique and innovative way, creating a spectacular launch pad for the 2017 Illuminations season.

“We can’t wait to see it unfold on the night.”

The show will open around 5pm with a Blackpool Introduces set showcasing local talent, followed by a set featuring some of the all-time club classics. The concert also sees the return of Club MTV DJs R3wire and Varski, who took last year’s event by storm.

The main show will commence at around 7pm with performances by Louise and Conor, followed by another scintillating routine by Diversity which will lead directly into the Star Trek switch-on sequence.

Immediately after the Switch-On, Example and DJ Wire will rock the Promenade for an hour-long party under the Lights.

Blackpool already has a strong relationship with the Star Trek franchise, with an interactive exhibition on the Golden Mile and features within the Illuminations.

The premiere of Star Trek: Discovery will stream on Netflix in the UK on Monday 25 September followed by a weekly episode, arriving each Monday on Netflix, ending coincidentally on November 6 – the day after the last night of the Illuminations season.

The second chapter of the season will resume in January 2018. With 695 episodes currently beaming on the service, Netflix is the ultimate destination to binge watch all of the classic Star Trek series.

Star Trek is one of the most influential global television franchises and is returning to television 51 years after it was first broadcast.

The new Discovery series will follow the voyages of Starfleet on its missions to discover new worlds and lifeforms. It will feature a new ship, characters and missions.